Thursday, January 16, 2014

Jeff Crunch: Battle Hungery Archers

In the fine tradition of gladiatorial combat and with a special nod to archers this weeks Jeff Crunch provides a few new handy weapons for archers for when things get ugly, which in archer speak, is close. Cat may want some of these.

Punch Dagger Gage: The
gage is a common item among archers, as it protects the forearm from the bow
string.However this version has been
modified to also serve as a weapon that the archer need not draw.Built into the gage is a punch dagger blade,
mounted to a reinforced plate on the back of the hand the blade extends four
inches beyond the archers closed first.The gage can be worn on eitheror
both arms and does not impede firing a bow. It does prevent the use of a shield larger than a buckler.

Fin Blade Full Glove:These forearm length heavy leather gloves are average save that a sharp steel fin-like blade has been mounted to the
side of the glove.The scalloped blade
is about two inches wide at the mid-point of the forearm and curves downward
toward the wrist and elbow.These blades
may be used to slash at foes that close on the archer and preclude the need to
ready a melee weapon.If used as a pair
two weapon fighting penalties apply.

Studded Knuckle
Glove: The most simple weapon that an archer can have and still freely fire
a bow are gloves of this type.Sometimes studded at the knuckles with brass, or with lead weights sown
into them they allow for lethal damage to be dealt with a fist.The damage they deal is equal to the unarmed
strike damage of the wearer.Values
given are for an average medium and small character.

OtherGear and Weapon Accessories:

Knuckle Bow Guard:Very similar to the hand protection found on
some swords, a version has been adapted to work on bows as well.The guard protects an archers hand while
allowing them to use their bow to strike opponents without fear of damage to
it.The knucklebow guard deals damage as a set of brass
knuckles, 1d3 medium and 1d2 large, damage type B, critical 20x2.However there is a -1 to hit with the guard,
as a bow is not meant to be used in melee.Having one installed on a bow costs 30 gp
extra.

Spear Point Nocks:
These metal nocks not only hold a bows string, but have an added stiletto-like
point added so that a bow may be used as a spear.When used in this way the bow deals damage as
a short spear (short bows) or long spear (long bows).Regardless of size these weapons have a -1 to
hit due to their improvised nature, and have a critical range of 20x2, and
may not be set vs. charge.

Attributes: Like most warrior types you need to have good physical stats though you can get by on a lowish con if you’re a skirmisher...

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